2 groups back away from plan on New Mexico power plant

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two of the half-dozen organizations that endorsed a utility's plan to shut down half of a coal-fired power plant in northwestern New Mexico are pulling out.

The Albuquerque Journal (http://goo.gl/iELhNd ) reports that Renewable Energy Industries Association and New Mexico Independent Power Producers no longer support the agreement with Public Service Co. of New Mexico.

The organizations say the cost of PNM's plan for the San Juan Generating Station appears greater now. They also cite the Farmington Electric Utility System's decision against a planned purchase of additional power from the plant.

PNM executives told regulators last week that the utility miscalculated projected costs for continuing to run San Juan.

According to the executives, clerical errors in tabulating coal prices could add $367 million to ratepayers' costs over 20 years.